Hogy Striper Playbook V1.2 by hogylureco

STRIPER PLAYBOOK Fish Smart. Fish Simple. Fish Hogy.

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CASTING

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

HOGY STRIPER CASTING PLAYBOOK BLIND CASTING & BLITZS

REEFS & RIPS

BACK BAY

GEAR GUIDE

BLIND CASTING This situation usually occurs just after or just before large feeds that have been in the area or at slack tide when the bait has scattered. Often this situation occurs early in the morning or on low light days.

3 BEST BETS BLIND CASTING

CHARTER GRADE POPPER

CHARTER GRADE SLIDER

Popper: Best used in calm water, slack tide and scattered fish. Pop the lure with a series of pauses to drive them crazy! Slider: Good for fishing the swing, windy conditions and covering ground throughout peak periods of tide. Hold the rod at 45 degrees to let the slider's slow wobble do the work. Vary retrieve speed, accelerate on missed strikes. Weighted Softbaits: Great imitator of small baits such as peanut bunker and juvenile herring. Simply cast and reel for action.

WATCH VIDEO

BOAT BLIND CASTING APPROACH 1

Long Drifts. Study wind and tide to determine the drifts trajectory. This may be in an area with lots of birds hovering, baitfish marks on the finder, or slicks associated with bait. Blind casting in open water is a numbers game. The more casts you make = the more commotion in your area = more fish in your area.

Avoid running over the area that you want to fish in order to position your drift.

Tip: If there is more than one angler casting. Each angler should be using a different lure to more quickly “crack the code”

PROTAIL PADDLE SWIMBAIT

SURFACE BLITZ Typically blitzes occur during the peak portions of the tides; at times when there are large amounts of baitfish concentrated in the area.

3 BEST BETS SURFACE BLITZ

Popper: Best used in calm water, slack tide and scattered fish. Pop the lure with a series of pauses to drive them crazy!

WATCH VIDEO

CHARTER GRADE POPPER

CHARTER GRADE SLIDER

PROTAIL EEL

Slider: Slow and steady retrieve. Great for imitating herring and pogies.

Protail Eel: A shore caster's favorite for bouncing bottom for finicky stripers feeding on eels and sand eels.

SURFACE BLITZ APPROACH 1

You want to get in front of the school but also give them a wide birth so they don’t sense your approach. Typically, your best option is to cast in front of the school or the edges, allowing the fish to find your lure. If possible, approach from the windward side which will allow you the greatest distance from the school while still maintaining reachability. One common mistake is to run boat right up on the school; even though the fish are feeding heavily, getting too close too aggressively can put the fish down. Having a number of rods set up with different lures is helpful as you can switch quickly and efficiently from one option to another to find out what they are “dialed in”.

HOGY STRIPER CASTING PLAYBOOK BLIND CASTING & BLITZS

REEFS & RIPS

BACK BAY

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

GEAR GUIDE

BOULDERS & REEFS Stripers use the structure as it supports a whole food chain, providing the opportunity to ambush unsuspecting baitfish swept by the current. 85% of the fish you catch in or around the structure will be during the peak portions of the tides but the other 15% caught at slack tide might be your biggest!

3 BEST BETS BOULDERS & REEFS

CHARTER GRADE POPPER

CHARTER GRADE SLIDER

Weighted Softbaits: Great imitator of small baits such as peanut bunker and juvenile herring. Simply cast and reel for action.

WATCH VIDEO

BOULDER FIELDS & REEFS CASTING APPROACH 1

ONSHORE winds also tend to produce more waves or the kind of “white water” that bass, especially larger ones, prefer. If the tide is moving over the structure, the smaller fish will be upfront and on top and often the larger fish will be a little deeper and farther back into the structure.

Be tactical, notice EVERYTHING. For example, a bunch of birds sitting on rocks “watching” suggests that “something” recently happened (which means it might happen again) or the birds think something is about to happen based on their past experience.

PROTAIL PADDLE SWIMBAIT

CASTING A RIP In a rip line caused by a sand bar, schools of baitfish are getting swept by the tide over the sand bar or reef and made vulnerable by the commotion of the rip. Stripers who like to make eating as easy as possible will lie right on or behind that rip line in ambush, picking off unsuspecting prey.

3 BEST BETS CASTING A RIP

WATCH VIDEO

Popper: Best used in calm water, slack tide and scattered fish. Pop the lure with a series of pauses to drive them crazy!

CHARTER GRADE POPPER

CASTING A RIP APPROACH 1

CHARTER GRADE SLIDER

PROTAIL EEL

Slider: Slow and steady retrieve. Great for imitating herring and pogies.

2 3

Protail Eel: A shore caster's favorite for bouncing bottom for finicky stripers feeding on eels and sand eels.

Stem the tide with your boat just in gear with enough thrust so as to just hold your position. Pick a good spot in the rip where a u-shaped gully with points on either side of it have formed Cast uptide and somewhere between parallel and 30-degrees toward the rip line. Once the lure hits the water, your focus is to get control of the line with minimal slack between you and your lure. Now let current move the bait toward the stripers that are waiting in ambush. While the bait is drifting down tide impart action in the lure and your reeling is more for eliminating slack than to propel the lure forward. If you time it perfectly, the lure will start swinging into the rip and directly behind your boat just at or behind the rip line.

HOGY STRIPER CASTING PLAYBOOK BLIND CASTING & BLITZS

REEFS & RIPS

BACK BAY

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

GEAR GUIDE

BACK BAY Lures in back bays tend to be very small and light. If the depth is less than 10-feet, small softbait paddles are ideal. If the water is a bit deeper, poppers are very effective in estuaries as their noise will travel larger distances than in open water.

3 BEST BETS BOULDERS & REEFS

CHARTER GRADE POPPER

CHARTER GRADE SLIDER

WATCH VIDEO

BACK BAYS APPROACH

Weighted Softbaits: Great imitator of small baits such as peanut bunker and juvenile herring. Simply cast and reel for action.

Outgoing Tide: You want to be on the open water side when the tide is flushing out the baitfish that were up inside during high tide, serving as a buffet for bass waiting in ambush. Fan casting either side of the opening will do the trick. If the current swings to one side over the other, you want to be on that side.

Incoming Tide: Typically one area inside the bay will fish better than the other, especially if there is a turn or bend in the channel. Learning to jig or bounce a lure at or near the bottom as the tide rises will help increase your catch rate as the tide rises since fish will often drop deeper in the water column as the tide rises.

SLOWTAIL SWIMBAIT

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY. Many pros carry fewer different types of lures but higher quantiles of each. Why? They bring the lures that work for their particular methodology and use a systematic approach to the various situations they may encounter. (+backups)

The Hogy 1+2 Striper Casting Mindset 1 Lean Tackle Box: Carry just a handful of purposeful and effective lures that you know like the back of your hand that you can easily adapt in continuously changing conditions. Focus on the situation, not your lures.

CAPT. MIKE HOGAN OWNER - HOGY LURES

2 System Mindset: Each structure/situation covered in this document has its own dynamic. Take the time to understand it. Playing the tide/current, weather, bait and your surroundings all matter at least as much as your lures. Maybe more! (p.s. you didn’t hear this from us! :)

Some Rules of Thumb Match the hatch when possible. Think size and color. Calm Conditions = Topwater Windy Conditions = sub-Surface. Bright Conditions = Bright Lures Dark Conditions = Dark lures

Stripers tend to hang “down tide” of structure in ambush of prey. Stripers will often start feeding “up-tide” and move “down” in the direction of the tide over time. Especially in open water. If fish aren’t here today but were yesterday. Follow the wind and/or tide. If birds are hanging around, wait. Flouro Leaders are ideal. Avoid snaps and tie direct if possible. If they are not biting but clearly visible: try going way up in lure size and/or way down.

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

THE HOGY SHORE FISHING PLAYBOOK BLIND CASTING & BLITZS

REEFS & RIPS

MUST HAVE LURES Hogy Protail Paddles: "Multi-Purpose Bait Fish"

PROTAIL PADDLE

Highly versatile general baitfish-shaped profile. Built-in action with paddle tail. Just cast and reel. Keep rod tip at a 45degree angle, lower it as the lure gets closer. Fished just below the surface by keeping your rod tip up and maintaining a faster, steadier retrieve. Depth is determined by weight, sink time and retrieve. Play with retrieve speeds. Often, intermittent surges will draw reaction strikes.

Hogy Protail Eels: "Eels and Sand Eels" PROTAIL EEL

Fish at any rod tip angle. A 45-degree angle rod rip “up” will eliminate bottom snags. Retrieve this lure SLOWLY! But play with your action. Twitch it. Jig it. Strait stick it. Bounce in the sand to simulate a hiding or digging sand eel.

The Hogy Slider: "The Swimmer" HOGY SLIDER

The action is “built-in.” The Hogy Slider features a wider, more erratic swimming movement as opposed to the frantic, vibrating action of a lipped bill plug. Rod tip at a 45-degree angle. Cast and reel. This lure has neutral buoyancy, meaning it has a horizontal descent when sinking. This is a very natural presentation, so a series of pauses are recommended on the retrieve. Excellent herring and bunker match.

The Hogy Popper: "The Noise Maker" HOGY POPPER

With its cup-faced nose, it creates a ton of commotion with each twitch of the rod. Regardless of how you fish a popper, most anglers love watching a big striper come up and smash the lure. Unfortunately, poppers less effective in rough water as their noise-making ability is lost in the surf. Rod tip at a 45-degree angle. “Pop, Pop, pause; Pop, Pop, Pause”

The Hogy Epoxy Jig®: "The Multi-Purpose Long Ranger" HOGY EPOXY JIG

The clear coat associated with the resin used for The Hogy Epoxy Jig® Lure mimics the gel-like appearance of many baitfish including sand eels, silversides, bay anchovies, and peanut bunker. Long casts and slower sink rate than a metal jig. The length/weight ratio of the Hogy Epoxy Jig is carefully balanced such that there is no wrong way to fish it. You can make an Epoxy Jig come to life by varying retrieve speed and rod movements and positioning. For example, the higher the tip and faster the retrieve, the more the lure will skip on the surface.

BACK BAY

GEAR GUIDE

CAPT. MIKE'S 3 CASTING OUTFITS 1 7’ Spinning Rod Medium: This outfit is suitable for spring schoolie fishing when you are likely to be using small soft plastics, jigs, and plugs near the shoreline. This rod is a good candidate for a fast action where you can be casting light lures off the tip and ensure a good hook set at long range or need quick access to backbone when setting the hook on a fish that takes a topwater plug. Other uses for this rod would include freshwater fishing, light bottom fishing, and Albie and bonito fishing! Length: 7’ Action: Fast Power: Medium Reel Size: 4000 to 5000 Class Lure Sizes: 3/8oz to 1oz Typical Line: 30lb Braid Leader: 36” of 15lb Fluorocarbon Leader

2 7’ Spinning Rod Medium Heavy: This rod will be your workhorse for when the keeper size stripers show up and you start using larger lures to mimic the larger baits they are feeding on. This rod is great for casting larger soft plastics, jigs and plugs. I like a moderate rod action for a rod in this class as it will give me the flexibility to lob bigger lures and will handle vertical jigging with ease and comfort. Action: Moderate Power: Medium-Heavy Reel Size: 5000 to 6000 Class Lure Sizes: 3/4oz to 2oz Typical Line: 40lb Braid Leader: 36” of 30lb Fluorocarbon Leader

3 7.5-8’ Spinning Rod: Heavy I like to have a heavy setup in the mix for big plugs, heavy jigs, and weighted soft plastics. This rod can cast heavy lures up to 4ounces. This rod will also do double duty on tarpon and small tuna up to 85-pounds. Action: Moderate Power: Medium-Heavy Reel Size: 6000 to 8000 Class Lure Sizes 2oz to 4oz Typical Line: 40lb Braid Leader: 48” of 40lb Fluorocarbon Leader

CASTING ROD TIPS I carry three different outfits that allow me to cast the entire spectrum of striper lures. I may use each of the three on the same trip as I might be trying to imitate different baitfish in different situations I might encounter during a single trip. I have had these same three outfits for years and have a strong understanding of how and when to use them. You’ll notice I switch between fast and moderate action to accommodate for how I am fishing the lures I would use with that rod.

TROUBLE SHOOTING STRIPERS

SURFACE TWITCH

ORIGINAL SERIES EELS

HEAVY THUMPING PROTAIL PADDLES

THE BITE

THE CHALLANGE

Slow surface presentations for stripers feeding near the surface. When working expansive areas blind casting structure, large presentations can be used to draw in strikes from a distance.

THE SOLUTION

For nearly 15 years, the Hogy Original Series has been a mainstay in the large softbait spectrum. With a wide variety of rigging options available, the Original Series can be rigged as a topwater or subsurface presentation. For slow and low methodical presentations, an unweighted swimbait hook will allow an angler to wiggle and dart the eel just below the surface, drawing savage strikes from the most finicky of stripers.

Hogy Original 7"-10"

Ultra-Flex Softbait.

Stripers keyed in on baitfish loosely scattered over larger areas. When Stripers are spread out over large areas, find a quick and effective method for covering water quickly is crucial for success.

THE SOLUTION

The Hogy Protail Paddle series offers a variety of lure sizes, weights and colors to easily match the hatch. Choose an appropriate size swimbait and begin fan casting areas where stripers are holding. The Protail Paddle offers a heavy thumping action at medium to medium fast retrieves, perfect for calling fish in from a distance. Impart short pauses to allow the bait to drop and stop.

Protail Paddle

Heavy Thumping Action.

ERRATIC DARTER PROTAIL EELS

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

ALL PURPOSE

HOGY EPOXY JIGS®

THE BITE

THE CHALLANGE

Suspended stripers feeding in the upper water column.

How to target fish you’re marking in the upper water column, with limited surface & bird activity.

THE SOLUTION

The Hogy Protail Eel offers versatility for working the entire water column, perfect for suspended fish feeding on bait schools. The narrow profile of the Protail Eel closely imitates stripers favorite forage; Sand Eels. Position yourself so your casting up or across the tide and allow your bait to sink to the desired depth. Begin a twitch-twitch-pause retrieve, allowing the bait to sink and flutter. Pay close attention on the drop as most bites occur on slack line.

Protail Eel

Erratic Darting Action.

Finicky Stripers keyed in on juvenile forage.

Imitating micro-forage while maintaining casting distance and trophy grade rigging.

THE SOLUTION

The Hogy Epoxy Jig® shines when gamefish become keyed in on micro-forage. Available in a variety of sizes and imitative colors, it’s easy to match the hatch and dial in a picky striper bite. We recommend down sizing tackle and utilizing light leaders for best results. The Epoxy Jig can be fished across the water column, but excels when jigged or retrieved near the surface. Vary retrieves from slow and steady to fast and skippy to dial in a finicky bite.

Hogy Epoxy Jig®

Ultra-Imitative Jig.

TROUBLE SHOOTING STRIPERS

CHARTER GRADE

SUBSURFACE SLIDERS

THE BITE

Openwater Stripers feeding on large mackerel and herring near the surface.

THE CHALLANGE

When Stripers are keyed in on oversized forage, they often ignore smaller offerings. Presenting large profile baits in the feeding zone offers the best chance for success.

THE SOLUTION

The Charter Grade Slider is an ideal option for casting to Stripers feeding on large baits near the surface. The Charter Grade Sliders classic side-toside kick imitates a wounded baitfish on a steady retrieve is irresistible to big Stripers. Due to the Charter Grade Sliders large size, we recommend casting on heavier outfits. Pro Tip: Keep your rod tip low during the retrieve for consistent swimming action right to the boat.

Charter Slider

Subsurface Swimmer.

CHARTER GRADE SQUID PLUGS

CHARTER GRADE DOG WALKERS

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

CHARTER GRADE POPPERS

THE BITE

THE CHALLANGE

Stripers feeding on small squid in rips. When Stripers on keyed in on squid, usually early in the season, they can be very finicky and require matching the hatch.

THE SOLUTION

Find pockets of fish staging in rips. Position yourself up-tide from the rip and use a holding pattern by keeping the boat in gear. Cast the Charter Grade Squid Plug diagonal towards the rips and allow the Squid Plug to swing into the face of the rip. Focus on the first two to three waves in the rip while using a medium speed twitch retrieve to skip and dart the Squid Plug near the surface.

Charter Squid Plug

Skipping Squid Action.

Aggressive topwater feeding Stripers on big baits.

Big topwater feeds of oversized Stripers is often exciting and short lived. Matching the profile of available forage and long casting distance can be needed.

THE SOLUTION The Charter Grade Dog Walker offers excellent castablity with classic topwater walk-the-dog action perfect for targeting big stripers feeding on the surface. Utilize a traditional side-toside rod tip twitch with short pauses to easily work the bait in a seductive motion across the surface. We recommend tying direct with a jam or cinch knot for best results.

Charter Dog Walker

Classic Walk The Dog Action.

Mixed class Stripers feeding over shallows & open water. Low light conditions often offer excellent opportunities for topwater presentations.

THE SOLUTION

Few lures are as fun to fish as a topwater popper. Our Charter Grade Popper offers excellent casting distance and easy-to-pop action on a variety of tackle outfits. The smaller 4-inch popper is ideal for imitating smaller forage, while the 5.5-inch model is great when larger baitfish are around. Work the popper with a series of short upward rod tip pops for classic popping action. When fish are finicky, quickly work the popper across the surface.

Charter Popper

Surface Popping Action.

SURF & SHORE

THE HOGY SHORE FISHING PLAYBOOK RIPS & JETTIES

OPEN BEACH & BACK BAY

CANAL & ALBIES

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

GEAR GUIDE

SHORELINE RIPS Shoreline rips that occur around structure or points are often great spots to find big fish on light tackle close to the beach. The best shoreline rips have some sort of mix or combination of deep areas, holes; drop-offs, rocks, boulders, and deep basins. Moving water means confused bait so blind casting in an organized manner is the ticket.

3 BEST BETS SHORELINE RIPS

CHARTER GRADE POPPER

CHARTER GRADE SLIDER

Weighted Softbaits: Great imitator of small baits such as peanut bunker and juvenile herring. Simply cast and reel for action.

SHORELINE RIPS APPROACH

PRIME TIDES

Shoreline rips are best fished working your lures with the current, imitating naturally drifting forage. Work your lures at a 45-degree angle, swimming them across the current. Work a variety of depths from the surface to the bottom to locate feeding fish.

Begin your first series of casts well above the rip and continue working closer to the rip.

As you drop into the rip, extend your casts.

As you extend your casts, let your bait sink deeper. Working the entire water column.

WATCH VIDEO

PROTAIL PADDLE SWIMBAIT

JETTIES

WATCH VIDEO

Jetties are serious producers, although they can be fished around the clock, they often produce best at night. The best jetties offer some sort of rip line and give you access to get behind some sand bars.

3 BEST BETS JETTIES

Popper: Best used in calm water, slack tide and scattered fish. Pop the lure with a series of pauses to drive them crazy!

CHARTER GRADE POPPER

CHARTER GRADE SLIDER

PROTAIL EEL

Slider: Slow and steady retrieve. Great for imitating herring and pogies.

Protail Eel: A shore caster's favorite for bouncing bottom for finicky stripers feeding on eels and sand eels.

JETTIES APPROACH

PRIME TIDES

Jetties often extend offshore and offer shore anglers the easiest access to deepwater haunts. These areas offer an abundance of current and structure. Fishy areas include high current area, sand bars and the adjacent beach surf.

Fish the swing in the rip. Often the rip on a jetty will be light. Sub-surface paddle tails creates commotion and turbulence.

Work the surf created by sand bars. Fan cast around them.

If there are multiple bars, inside the jetty, a slowly retrieved paddle tail can help find scattered fish.

Fan cast the open water, distance is often needed, but don’t forget fish can be at your feet, especially at high tide.

THE HOGY SHORE FISHING PLAYBOOK RIPS & JETTIES

OPEN BEACH & BACK BAY

CANAL & ALBIES

OPEN BEACH

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

GEAR GUIDE WATCH VIDEO

There is often more than meets the eye at an open beach. Structure-wise, you have gradual drop-offs, fast dropoffs, sand bars, deep troughs, rocks and boulders.

4 BEST BETS OPEN BEACH

CHARTER POPPER

Popper: Best used in calm water, slack tide and scattered fish. Slider: Slow and steady retrieve. Great for imitating herring and pogies. Soft-Eel: A shore caster's favorite for bouncing bottom for finicky stripers feeding on eels and sand eels.

CHARTER SLIDER

PROTAIL EEL

METAL/EPOXY

The deep-water trough between the beach and sand bars has probably given the most 50lb bass to shore anglers throughout the Northeast. A dropping tide is ideal. This is the perfect place to fish a lightly or unweighted soft bait. A light entry to the water is ideal.

Fish a gradual rise at low tide, incoming. You can wade out to get in deeper water where fish will be running along the edge. Fish all water level columns. Vary retrieve speed between fast and slow.

3 The other side of the surf rolling onto a sand bar fishes best on a dropping tide.

BACK BAY

Epoxy Jig or Metal: Long Range Tool. Small bait imitator

PRIME TIDES

OPEN BEACH APPROACH

4 If you’re lucky enough to find a beach with a good feedline, fish the 180-degree span between the two structure points. A paddle tail makes a good search bait. 5 Boulders are simple and easy to fish. Cast over and around all sides of the structure. Boulders can be super effective at slack high tide. 6 Often fish will be breaking outside of reach from a second set of bars. A long range metal or epoxy jig will help you reach those fish.

WATCH VIDEO

The first step is identifying the tide direction. You want to fish on the side the tide is moving toward. Although this is a light tackle fishery, big fish get inside, particularly in the spring and fall.

3 BEST BETS ESTUARIES

Popper: Best used in calm water, slack tide and scattered fish. Pop the lure with a series of pauses to drive them crazy!

CHARTER POPPER

HOGY EPOXY JIG LURE®

Hogy Epoxy Casting Jig: These versatile casting jigs can be worked along the upper water column. Utilize a medium fast retrieve with rod twitches and pauses for erratic action.

Weighted Softbaits: Great imitator of small baits such as peanut bunker and juvenile herring. Simply cast and reel for action. PROTAIL PADDLE SWIMBAIT

BACK BAYS APPROACH

PRIME TIDES

1 You want to be on the open water side when the tide is flushing out the baitfish that were up and inside during high tide, serving as a buffet for bass outside waiting in ambush. Fan casting either side of the opening will do the trick. If the tide banks to one side over the other, you want to be on the inside opening, but if that is inaccessible, both sides will fish.. 1 hour into high tide is ideal. The water needs to be really moving to set up the “buffet”. 2 The inverse is true on the incoming tide. 3 Any tributaries feeding into the bay will fish well at the early stages of the outgoing tide. Move to the larger opening once they start to dry up.

THE HOGY SHORE FISHING PLAYBOOK RIPS & JETTIES

OPEN BEACH & BACK BAY

CANAL & ALBIES

CANAL

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

GEAR GUIDE WATCH VIDEO

With such high volumes of water running by your feet each minute, there is endless potential for bait and fish to blowby. The challenge here is how to deal with such fast-moving water. If fish are holding deep, which they are in canals 85% of the time, you’ll be required to fish the swing.

3 BEST BETS CANAL

Popper: Best used in calm water, slack tide and scattered fish. Pop the lure with a series of pauses to drive them crazy!

CHARTER POPPER

Hogy Epoxy Casting Jig: These versatile casting jigs can be worked along the upper water column. Utilize a medium fast retrieve with rod twitches and pauses for erratic action.

EPOXY JIG

Heavily Weighted Softbaits: Great imitator of small baits such as peanut bunker and juvenile herring. Simply cast and reel for action. Up to 6oz.

PROTAIL PADDLE

CANAL APPROACH 1

PRIME TIDES

Cast up tide and let your bait sink to the bottom. How far you cast up tide will be dictated by the current conditions and the amount of lead you are throwing.. The goal is to situate your cast so that the lure is touching the bottom when it’s perpendicular to you. The fishing really starts when the lure begins to “swing.” If you are having trouble getting down with a paddle, switch to an eel or a metal.

2 When fish are feeding near the surface. Utilize topwater presentations using the Popper or Epoxy Jig skipped along the surface. Be sure to cast well up tide and retrieve your lure through the swing.

SHORE ALBIES One of fall’s more anticipated migrations, the false albacore make their presence felt from late September to November. Commonly targeted near coastal jetties, inlets and open stretches of beaches. The most productive shore fishing techniques utilize surface retrieves with Epoxy Jigs™ and small profile Sand Eel Jigs, Peanut Bunker Jigs and Heavy Minnows.

3 BEST BETS SHORE ALBIES

EPOXY JIG

PEANUT JIG

HEAVY MINNOW JIG

WATCH VIDEO

Epoxy Jig: Perfect for long range casting to surface feeding albies. Utilize a fast "Skippy" retrieve or swim low and slow with twitches. Peanut Jig: These imitative jigs offer a perfect imitator of small peanut bunker. Ideal for matching the hatch while offering ultra long range casting distance.

Heavy Minnow Jig: Available in several small sizes, perfect for imitating small anchovy and glass minnows. Best for super finicky albies.

SHORE ALBIES 1

PRIME TIDES

When Albies are actively feeding on the surface, utilize the “Skippy Retrieve” to accurately imitate fleeing baitfish near the outside edges of the surface feeding area. This naturally erratic action is irresistible to nearby Albies. To execute properly, keep your rod tip at 10’o clock while using a medium speed retrieve, the Epoxy Jig™ should break the surface of the water every 3-4 reel rotations.

2 As a surface feed subsides, the “Low and Slow” retrieve is perfect for searching out individual fish still lurking in the area. Maintaining an 8’o clock rod position, use a slow-medium speed retrieve to work your bait in a naturally swimming motion. This non-erratic action work perfectly with the Sand Eel Jig and Peanut Bunker Metals.

THE HOGY SHORE FISHING PLAYBOOK RIPS & JETTIES

OPEN BEACH & BACK BAY

Shore Essentials Hogy Protail Paddles: "Multi-Purpose Bait Fish"

PROTAIL PADDLE

Hogy Protail Eels: "Eels and Sand Eels" PROTAIL PADDLE

The Hogy Slider: "The Swimmer" HOGY SLIDER

The Hogy Popper: "The Noise Maker" HOGY POPPER

The Hogy Epoxy Jig®: "The Multi-Purpose Long Ranger"

CANAL & ALBIES

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

GEAR GUIDE

3 TYPICAL SHORE FISHING OUTFITS 1 Estuary – Light Lures: In an estuary or flats type situation, longdistance is not needed as the fish are practically at your feet, using the contours and structure near the shoreline as their ambush points for bait that is flowing with the tide. You want an outfit that can be fished with a wide range of light lures with different actions. Length: 7’ Action: Fast Power: Medium Reel Size: 4000 to 5000 Class Lure Sizes: 3/8oz to 1oz Typical Line: 30lb Braid Leader: 36” of 15lb Fluorocarbon Leader

2 Light Duty Open Beach - Medium Lures: While this outfit may seem heavy on a boat, it is at home on a beach where you are casting heavy lures for extra profile and distance. A MH/H outfit will cast lures up to 3oz with ease. If you lighten up your braid to 30lb test, you will have ample distance on lighter lures, less than 2 ounces. This rod has the necessary backbone required to turn and land a large striper that has been running with the tide. Length: 7-8’ Action: Moderate Power: Medium to Medium-Heavy Reel Size: 4000 to 5000 Class Lure Sizes: 3/4oz to 1 3/4oz Typical Line: 40lb Braid Leader: 48” of 40lb Fluorocarbon Leader

3 Medium/Medium-Heavy Duty Beach/Canal – Heavier Lures: The longer length is simply necessary to reach over 100 yards with relative ease. Length: 9’ Action: Moderate Power: Medium-Heavy Reel Size: 6000 to 8000 Class Lure Sizes: 1.5oz to 4oz Typical Line: 40lb Braid Leader: 48” of 40lb Fluorocarbon Leader

The Hogy Peanut Bunker: "Imitator"

PEANUT JIG

Tall thin design enables wobble action. Fish with rod tip at 45-degree angle steady retrieve. Highly imitative finish. 1oz and 2oz

HOGY EPOXY JIG

The Hogy Heavy Minnow: "Long Ranger" Short fat design offers superior casting dynamics. Highly imitative finish. up to 3oz HEAVY MINNOW JIG

VERTICAL JIGGING

HOGY STRIPER JIGGING PLAYBOOK FAST & SLOW JIGGING

TWITCH JIGGING

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

STRUCTURE & SEARCH + DROP

FAST JIGGING Fast jigging is associated mostly with metals The bites tend to be more aggressive but you need to also pay careful attention to bites on the drop.

3 BEST BETS FAST JIGGING

SAND EEL JIG

Green Teaser Assist Sand Eel Jig: Our top choice for imitating mackerel throughout the water column. Olive In-Line Sand Eel Jig: Stripers love sand eels, the Olive Sand Eel Jig offers the perfect profile for imitating a variety of sand eel sizes.

WATCH VIDEO

BOAT FAST JIGGING APPROACH 1

Drop to the bottom or below targets identified on fish finder. Engage and reel quickly while jerking the rod - cranking fast a furiously to the surface.

Drop back and repeat.

SAND EEL JIG

HOGY EPOXY JIG

The 2oz Hogy Epoxy Jig is an ideal “fast” jig in depths under 60 feet of water. This lure will make commotion on the drop and come “alive” with just a medium retrieve speed, allowing for adequate time “in play” before reaching the surface.

FAST JIGGING BENEFITS Cover all levels of the water column. Speed allows coverage of all depths of the water column quickly. Speed elicits reaction strikes from finicky fish. Ideal for heavy current – frequent resets.

SLOW JIGGING The best jigging technique for fishing with soft baits, often underutilized. It’s a great technique for fish you see on the fish finder that “won’t bite anything”.

3 BEST BETS SLOW JIGGING

SOFTBAITS

EPOXY JIG

FLUTTER PITCH

BENEFITS

Softbaits: a very natural option for slow jigging as they offer tremendous actin at the slowest speeds, regardless of the shape. Paddle tail versions will thump with short sweeps of a rod tip. Eel tail versions body’s will quiver even when left in the holder at drift. The Hogy Epoxy Jig: The light body design results in a slow and fluttery decent to the bottom. As 2oz epoxy jig require very little effort to fish in under 80’ of water while slow jigging. Flutter Pitch Jig: This jig has a “flattened” design and a latitudinal center of gravity which allows for even the heaviest of versions great action at slow speeds as it shifts its center of gravity in current. The flutter Pitch Jig is ideal at the deepest of striper depth in heavy current. Larger sizes imitate herring, pogies and mackerel.

1. You’re able to stay in a key strike zone for a very long time. 2. Natural and subtle movements used to present a slow and easy bait for a lazy striper to eat is a method that is deadly, especially with a softbait tail. 3. An easy technique for inexperienced guests on your boat

WATCH VIDEO

SLOW JIGGING APPROACH 1

Drop to a specific depth that you are targeting.

Slowly raise your rod tip and let the lure fall slowly.

Every few moments, change the depth by 10-feet using slow cranks, and repeat the slow jig method.

Drop back to the bottom and repeat.

HOGY STRIPER JIGGING PLAYBOOK FAST & SLOW JIGGING

TWITCH JIGGING

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

STRUCTURE & SEARCH + DROP

TWITCH JIGGING Twitch jigging is a variation of the Slow Jig with the only difference being a series of sharp fast twitches in the rod. It’s almost like you are vibrating the lure with rapid rod tip twitches. This technique works particularly well with the Hogy Sand Eel Jig. Its long, slender profile responds with a lot of jerking rod tip motions. The huge benefit of this technique is that you can really dial in a certain depth. This is a useful method when “sniping” fish you have identified on the fish finder.

3 BEST BETS TWITCH JIGGING

PROTAIL EEL

SAND EEL JIG

EPOXY JIG

Protail Eel: Long tails on eel bodied softabaits quiver all the way through the tip of the tail. Top sand eel imitator. Not an ideal option when numerous bluefish are in the area.

Sand Eel Jigs: The sand eel jig is a tough duty sand eel imitator. What this lure lacks in finesse is made up for in its ability to sink quickly, stands up to bluefish and rig in a variety of conf. Epoxy Jig: Hogy Epoxy Jig’s light body design results in a jig that is highly responsive to twitch jigging. Ideal in depths 60’ and under.

WATCH VIDEO

TWITCH JIGGING APPROACH 1

Drop to a specific depth that you are targeting.

Twitch your rod with fast, short movements.

Every few moments, change the depth by 10-feet and repeat.

Once you have too much line out from the boat drifting away from your lure, reel in and repeat.

FAST JIGGING BENEFITS You’re able to stay in a key strike zone for a very long time. Faster motions might trigger a reaction strike. Allows metal lure depth and softbait action.

DEAD STICKING If you are drifting for an extended period while blind casting, it’s often a good idea to drop a softbait down deep and park it in the rod in the holder. It’s truly embarrassing to think about how effective this technique is as compared to all the energy and efforts anglers put into fooling striper. While dead sticking you are literally just putting the rod in the holder and letting the boat do EVERYTHING. This is 100% a soft bait method as the plastic is flexing with each rock of the boat.

HOGY STRIPER JIGGING PLAYBOOK FAST & SLOW JIGGING

TWITCH JIGGING

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

STRUCTURE & SEARCH + DROP

STRUCTURE JIGGING You could argue that stripers and trout are similar in how they stage on structure in heavy current. While in bigger, deeper waters, a striper might behave like a trout waiting for a fly when it stages behind drop-offs, boulders, wrecks or whatever large structure might be present, eagerly waiting for a bait fish to be swept down by the tide.

2 OPTIONS STRUCTURE JIGGING

Anchor/Positioned in front of the structure and drift backwards.

Make repeated drifts over the structure

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In either case, the key point here is that you are attempting to imitate a bait fish being swept down with the tide, over the available structure -- all with your rod and lure. Anchored/Positioned: Positioning yourself in front of the structure is a great method to focus on just one point of the structure you are targeting. Be sure to have a plan for hooking up with a large fish that requires you to drift off anchor quickly. 1. Anchor or maintain enough forward gear to hold the boat in position about 50 feet in front of the structure. 2. Drop your lure to the bottom and jig it upwards four or five times. 3. Once you feel the lure rising off the bottom, drop it back down.

STRUCTURE JIGGING APPROACH Drifting: I tend to favor drifting, personally, over anchored structure jigging, as you can fish all areas around a piece of structure. In many cases, stripers will position themselves in a number of different places around the structure. Drifting is also ideal when vertically jigging rips caused by a shoal. By not being tethered to the bottom, you are able to move around more easily and try different spots. 1. Run up tide about 200 feet in front of the structure you would like to fish. 2. Drop your lure to the bottom and jig it upwards four or five times. 3. Once you feel the lure rising off the bottom, drop it back down.

SEARCH & DROP With the recent developments of fish-finding technology, this technique is becoming more and more popular. In this technique, you are literally cruising around looking for targets to drop on. Search and Drop is the most tactical variation of jigging in that the captain and crew work hand in hand ready to coordinate the drop. Each angler is poised and ready for the drop at a moment’s notice. Go-To Hogy Imitations: If you are dropping on fish that you are marking on the fish finder, you'll want to get the lure down as quickly as you can to catch the fish while it is still close to being under the boat. WATCH WATCHVIDEO VIDEO

Hogy Pro Tail Eel: I like eel tail softbaits for tactical drops, as you don't want the "parachute" effect of a paddle to slow you down. Jig Head on a Slappy Eel: This rig is quite popular for anglers looking to substitute for a live eel. The bait is so long and slender, it has incredible action with hardly any rod movement. A simple rise and fall of the rod tip is deadly.

BENEFITS 1. Pinpoints finicky fish. 2. The steady RPM’s of the boat will not spook the fish. 3. Covers ground while still being able to study topwater and fish finder.

SEARCH & DROP APPROACH 1

Identify an active area.

Find a happy cruising speed, maybe 8-knots for searching.

Have anglers holding their rods at all times, ready to free spool their lure at a moment’s notice.

Along with watching the electronics, constantly look for changes in the water and be ready to cast at any water that looks “pushed” or otherwise altered.

TROUBLE SHOOTING STRIPERS

SAND EEL JIGS

HIGHLY IMITATIVE

THE BITE

Open water Stripers feeding on plumes of Sand Eels in various levels of the water column.

THE CHALLANGE

Stripers bucket feeding on dense sand eel schools. Matching the size, shape and color in a highly imitative fashion is essential if you want to compete.

THE SOLUTION

The Sand Eel Jigs have simplified the challange of "matching the hatch" by offering a variety of lengths, weights and imitative colors that shine when stripers are keyed in on sand eels. While the Hogy Sand Eel Jig is designed for all speeds, it's particularly deadly at high speeds zipping through all levels of the water column.

Sand Eel Jig

Highly Imitative Jigging.

FLUTTER PITCH

SLOW PITCH & TWITCH

EPOXY JIG

MICRO-BAIT FIX

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

SOFTBAITS

MATCH THE HATCH

THE BITE

THE CHALLANGE

Finicky stripers feeding on various finfish. When Stripers on keyed in on herring, scup and butterfish the flutter pitch jig offers an imitative profile and excellent slow flutter fall action.

THE SOLUTION

The Flutter Pitch Jigs are perfect for working the lower to mid-water column for finicky stripers. Using a simple lift, reel and fall on slack line kicks the Flutter Pitch Jig into action! Erratic flutter fall action triggers bites from finicky stripers feeding on larger baitfish species. Attractive teaser assist hooks add extra attraction when the bite gets tough!

Flutter Pitch Jig

Slow Flutter Fall Action.

Stripers keyed in on ultrasmall forage like anchovy.

When bass get keyed in on micro-forage hatches later in the summer, the bite can be downright tough to get dialed in! With a variety of sizes and colors, the Epoxy Jig can easily imitative the smallest baits.

THE SOLUTION Adjust your jigging tackle to match the Epoxy Jig best suited to matching the abundant forage. Often times the smaller 3" - 3.5" Epoxy Jigs produce on the most finicky of stripers feeding on micro herring, anchovy and silversides. Be sure to drop down to light fluorocarbon leaders. 15lb - 20lb test can be the ticket!

Hogy Epoxy Jig

Micro-Forage Imitator.

Scattered Stripers feeding on large bait fish in open water. When bass are targeting big baitfish in open water, you'll need up up-size your offering.

THE SOLUTION

Specialized weighted softbaits are ideal for imitating large to jumbo sized baitfish. Protail Paddle: When you need extra thumping action to call fish in from a distance, the paddle tail is a top choice. Work this lure on a lift and drop retrieve, paying close attention for any bites on the drop. Protail Eel: If you find yourself greeted with finicky stripers on big bait, slow twitching a Protail Eel in the water column is a sure-fire way to get bit.

Weighted Softbaits

Big Bait Imitators.

TROLLING

HOGY STRIPER TROLLING PLAYBOOK SHORELINES & RIPS

CHANNELS & OPEN WATER

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

GEAR GUIDE

SHORELINE TROLLING When fish are related to shoreline structure, this trolling technique is designed to cover the transition zone from deepwater haunts to the shallow feeding grounds. Slow trolling the Hogy Perfect Tube or Charter Slider are top imitator presentations.

3 BEST BETS SHORELINE TROLLING

Perfect Tube: The large profile of the Perfect Tube is easily seen from a distance. Very high return on energy. Imitates large sea worm or eel.

WATCH VIDEO

PERFECT TUBE LURE

Slider: Best option when large baitfish are dominant forage in the area. Imitates large pogy, mackerel and herring. CHARTER GRADE SLIDER

PROTAIL PADDLE SWIMBAIT

Weighted Softbaits: Imitative baitfish profile can be trolled at a variety of speeds. Heavy thumping tail calls fish in from a distance.

SHORELINE TROLLING (*TROLL SCAN) APPROACH 1

Find the depth stripers are hanging in relative to the shoreline. Fish will be shallower in low light conditions, out deeper mid-day and high sun situations. Use fish finder to dial in bait schools and mark fish.

Work the lower third of the water column. Stripers will often reside close to the bottom, but can also suspend towards the mid water column. Use fish finder to dial in best depth. *Take boat out of gear, if needed to drop on a target.

Keep a keen eye out for bottom structure changes. Reefs, boulders, mussel beds and other hard structure will hold fish at a higher frequency. Mark these structures and adjust trolling direction to approach structure from all sides.

RIPS TROLLING

PLUG TROLLING RIPS

SOFTBAIT TROLLING RIPS

Schools of baitfish get swept by the tide over the sand bar or reef, making them vulnerable to stripers that are lying right on or behind the tip line, waiting in ambush to pick off unsuspecting prey.

3 BEST BETS RIPS TROLLING

WEIGHTED HOGY ORIGINAL

PERFECT SQUID LURE

Weighted Hogy Original: Effective imitator of squid and baitfish. Erratic swimming action is ideal for finicky fish. Top colors: Amber, Pink, Bone.

Perfect Squid: Durable HD body design ideal when bluefish are present. Imitates large squid.

Charter Squid Plug: Top choice for imitating small squid. Durable plug body when bluefish are present.

SWINGING A RIP TROLLING APPROACH 1

Approach the rip head on.

About 200 feet in front of the rip, begin a turn to start positioning the boat so that it is parallel to the rip.

Keep heading this direction until the lines are almost parallel to the rip or maybe 20 feet in front of the rip.

4 Turn up tide, and away for the rip. This will allow your lures to swing over the rip in a horizontal presentation before changing direction to follow the boat up tide. This is where the strike will usually occur.

CHARTER SQUID PLUG

Once the lures pull out of the rip, repeat the process. NOTE: You can walk back and forth over a tight area.

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

HOGY STRIPER TROLLING PLAYBOOK SHORELINES & RIPS

CHANNELS & OPEN WATER

GEAR GUIDE

CHANNEL TROLLING Channels are tricky spots to troll. Not only do you often have super strong currents to deal with but you have boat traffic to contend to. Even though you are fishing, the boats traveling through the channel have the total right of way. The burden is on you to move out of the way, even if you are hooked up to a very large fish.

3 BEST BETS CHANNEL TROLLING

WATCH VIDEO

Perfect Tube: The large profile of the Perfect Tube is easily seen from a distance. Very high return on energy. Imitates large sea worm or eel.

PERFECT TUBE LURE

CHARTER GRADE SLIDER

Weighted Hogy Original: Effective imitator of squid and baitfish. Erratic swimming action is ideal for finicky fish. Top colors: Amber, Pink, Bone. Weighted Softbaits: Imitative baitfish profile can be trolled at a variety of speeds. Heavy thumping tail calls fish in from a distance.

CHANNEL TROLLING APPROACH 1

Troll with the Tide: Always. It will allow you the most control and the ability to drop on bottom dwellers. It also looks the most natural in strong current since most baitfish have no option but to ride the tide. Your lures, therefore, will look the most natural.

Make A Lot of Short Passes: Your best bet is to reel in and run up tide and repeat.

Change Lure Colors Often: Since you will be going over the same spot again and again, be sure to change colors. For whatever reason, I have noticed that stripers will often shut down on a color and fire back up on a new color. I’ve had days where I needed to do this very three passes or so.

PROTAIL PADDLE SWIMBAIT

OPEN WATER TROLLING Trolling open water areas can be very productive when good signs of fish activity are present. This can be the obvious such as surface feeds, bird activity, or large bait schools. When fish are deep, bait pods can be located using electronics and fished at specific depths.

WATCH VIDEO

3 BEST BETS OPEN WATER TROLLING

PERFECT TUBE LURE

Perfect Tube: The large profile of the Perfect Tube is easily seen from a distance. Very high return on energy. Imitates large sea worm or eel.

1 Slider: Best option when large baitfish are dominant forage in the area. Imitates large pogy, mackerel and herring.

Pound the signs & stay glued to the fish finder. Tracking a surface feed or following suspended bait is imperative.

When fish are located, drop the boat out of gear for a moment to allow baits to drop, then accelerate back into gear to trigger a reaction strike.

Perfect Squid: Durable HD body design ideal when bluefish are present. Imitates large squid.

Make frequent turns, doing so will move your baits up and down in the water column, assisting in locating active fish.

Change colors often. Finding the hot color, whether natural or attractor colors, can turn a cold bite into a hot one once dialed in.

CHARTER GRADE SLIDER

PERFECT SQUID LURE

OPEN WATER TROLLING APPROACH

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

HOGY STRIPER TROLLING PLAYBOOK SHORELINES & RIPS

CHANNELS & OPEN WATER

MUST HAVE LURES Hogy Perfect Tube: "Tactical Slow Trolling"

PERFECT TUBE

Pre-tuned perfect swimming action. No bending needed! Heavy-duty construction, ball bearing, premium VMC Rigging. Designed for tactical slow trolling on leadcore, wire or weighted. Can be trolled naked or tipped with seaworms. Play with trolling speeds. Often, intermittent surges will draw reaction strikes.

Hogy Perfect Squid: "High Speed Search Bait"

PERFECT SQUID

High impact, heavy-duty rigging, bluefish friendly! Designed for faster trolling speeds to 4mph. HD internal weighting for top to bottom trolling. Imitative and attractive color patterns. A great squid imitator!

The Hogy Slider: "Imitative Medium Swimmer"

HOGY SLIDER

The action is “built-in.” The Hogy Slider features a wider, more erratic swimming movement as opposed to the frantic, vibrating action of a lipped bill plug. Excellent for "jig and troll" presentations. This lure has neutral buoyancy, meaning it has a horizontal descent when sinking. This is a very natural presentation, so a series of pauses are recommended on the retrieve. Excellent herring and bunker match.

Weighted Hogy Original: "Tactical Softbait"

HOGY ORIGINAL SERIES

Ultra-realistic, erratic swimming action. Highly interactive, can be fished with several retrieve styles. Top choice for squid imitation on finicky fish. Light weight, ultra-dart and, wriggle.

Protail Paddle Swimbait "Troll Scan Thumper"

GEAR GUIDE

CAPT. MIKE'S INSHORE TROLLING OUTFIT 1

Hogy Hybrid Trolling Rod: We've designed this ultra-fun rod to be the perfect blend of parabolic action, length, weight, and function for light tackle inshore and offshore trolling. This no-frills workhorse conventional rod addresses the challenges we've had finding suitable tackle for trolling the Hogy Perfect Tube and Perfect Squid. Why Parabolic Action and what is it? These rods offer a softer bend from the rod tip towards the butt section. This forgiving utility allows the angler to feel every pull of the drag and stroke of the fish's tail. This forgiveness is beneficial for trolling, allowing the rod to absorb the strike and offer firm hook sets while used for trolling applications. Hogy Perfect Trolling Rod Features: Ultra-Flex Parabolic Action Easy To Store 5'6" Length Premium-Grade Cork Grip Graphite Reel Seat Fuji Guides Recommended Reels: Avet JX6/3 2-Speed Daiwa Saltist STTLD30-2SPD Shimano Talica 16II TAC16II

VIEW THE ROD

Long Rod (Musky Rods): I think that musky rods are the best-kept secret in saltwater fishing. In this particular case, I like musky rods for trolling on boats with outboards as the added length helps clear propellers. They are also great for clearing lobster pots when trolling in fishy areas. Another nice feature is that they are light, and have long butt sections which make it easier for youngsters to sit down and fight a fish. I pair my musky rod with lead core line, but they play great double-duty rods for bottom fishing, live bait for stripers, and throwing large wooden striper plugs. Long Rod St. Croix Musky KD01910 8' : Extra length ideal for clearing lines & around obstructions. The long butt section works well for seated fishing. Double duty for bottom fishing, and casting large plugs. Best used with lead-core or in-line trolling weights.

TROLLING ROD TIPS HOGY PROTAIL PADDLES

Imitative baitfish profile. Heavy thumping action calls fish from a distance. Excellent choice for quickly covering ground using troll scan tech. Multiple baitfish imitating color patterns available.

The Hogy In-Line Weight: "Inshore Trolling Simplified"

HOGY IN-LINE TROLLING WEIGHT

Ultra-HD 220lb construction. Multiple weights for trolling depths to 40 feet. Simplified inshore trolling on light tackle conventional setups using braid or mono line.

Out of casting, jigging and trolling for striped bass, I would say that trolling is the most practiced technique for stripers. The basics of trolling for stripers are easy for novices to pick up quickly, but there are also many advanced trolling techniques to learn that can help in catching more fish under specific conditions. Here’s what I love about trolling for stripers: 1. You can search large areas easily and easily adapt to a tactical approach. 2. You can target deep moving fish most effectively. 3. Trolling is the ideal technique for larger boats with more than just one or two anglers. 4. Trolling is a great technique for beginners because it requires less time to develop the skills needed to become proficient.

TROUBLE SHOOTING STRIPERS

TACTICAL TWITCH

ORIGINAL SERIES EELS

HEAVY THUMPING PROTAIL PADDLES

THE BITE

THE CHALLANGE

Finicky Stripers staged tight to structure feeding on large squid or herring. When stripers are hugging tight to structure, the Hogy Original offers a tactical, erratic presentation to trigger strikes from finicky fish.

THE SOLUTION

For nearly 15 years, the Hogy Original Series has been a mainstay in the large softbait spectrum. With a wide variety of rigging options available, the Original Series can be rigged as a topwater or subsurface presentation. For slow and low methodical presentations, an weighted swimbait hook will allow an angler to wiggle and dart the eel below the surface, drawing savage strikes from the most finicky of stripers.

Hogy Original 7"-10"

Ultra-Flex Softbait.

Stripers keyed in on baitfish loosely scattered over larger areas. When Stripers are spread out over large areas, find a quick and effective method for covering water quickly is crucial for success.

THE SOLUTION

Protail Paddle

Heavy Thumping Action.

SLOW ROLLERS PERFECT TUBE

FISH SMART. FISH SIMPLE. FISH HOGY.

BIG BAIT

CHARTER SLIDERS

THE BITE

THE CHALLANGE

Bottom hugging stripers feeding on eels or sea worms.

When stripers head deep, the Perfect Tube's slow rolling action draws strikes in the toughest conditions.

THE SOLUTION

Featuring a perfectly pretuned swimming action, the Hogy Perfect Tube has become a staple for deep water striper trolling. Best when trolled down or cross current, these tubes can be trolled past 40 foot depths. Designed for lead-core, wire line or in-line trolling weight applications. Impart speed pauses and pulses to trigger strikes from finicky fish. Works fantastic with the jig and troll technique. A perfect presentation for new and veteran anglers alike.

Perfect Tube

Slow Rolling Action.

Stripers keyed in on large bunker, scup or herring.

Open water stripers, moving quickly following schools of large baitfish.

THE SOLUTION

The Hogy Charter Grade Slider is our top choice for quickly covering open water areas when fish are keyed in on large profiled forage. Consistent side to side swimming motion at medium speeds, paired with speed pauses and "jig and troll" technique allows for a variety of retrieve styles. Imitative baitfish colors for matching the hatch on a variety of forage. Heavy-duty trophy grade rigging for the season's biggest stripers & blues.

Charter Slider

Big Bait Trolling Imitator.

RIGGING GUIDE

THE HOGY RIGGING GUIDE JIGS

PLUGS

SOFTBAITS

RIGGING VIDEOS

OFFSHORE

WHAT TO USE? Inline hooks are ideal for casting on jigs of all sizes and shallow water jigging in up to 60’ of water. Treble hooks are popular on small casting jigs and for shallow water jigging for small groundfish such as porgy and sea bass. Bucktail hooks offer an additional length, flash and add extra action to your jigs & plugs. Assist hook rigging is ideal for jigging with water over 60' deep and for targeting larger gamefish like Striper, Tuna, Grouper and large Snapper.

TREBLE VS. INLINE RIGGING

Treble hooks should be approximately the width of the side of lure.

Inline hooks should be wide enough to cradle the lure at it's mid-section.

Assist hooks should span 1/3 to 1/2 of the lure length.

CHARTER GRADE POPPER

Back Hook Optional

RIGGING VIDEOS

JIGS

PLUGS

SOFTBAITS

OFFSHORE

WHAT TO USE? Q: Which is easiest to un-hook? A: A single hook is easiest to unhook. But, if using trebles, you can facilitate the release by mashing the barbs down with pliers. Q: Which is most successful? A: All hooks “do the job” to be done but treble hooks are hard to beat in terms of landing ratio. Q: What's a good teaser for my favorite plug? A: Bucktail hooks make great teasers by adding length, flash and action to the lure. Bucktail is more durable than using a softbait teaser.

WHEN TO USE? A) A double treble hook configuration is the most popular rigging method for plugs and offers the best hook up ratios. B) Two “Single” style hooks are the easiest to “de-hook” but some anglers complain of missed fish. C) The "Single/Treble Combo" is a compromise. Some anglers say this configuration enhances the action.

Treble hooks should be approximately the width of the side of lure.

DOUBLE TREBLE Treble hooks should be about as wide as the lure body.

Inline sytle hooks offer perfect articulation upward or downward

DOUBLE SINGLE Center hook should face downwards.

Inline hooks should be wide enough to cradle the lure at it's mid-section.

Bucktail hook adds extra flash, length and action to your favorite plugs.

SINGLE / TREBLE The single / treble combo is an angler favorite for better hookups and easier releases.

BUCKTAIL HOOKS

RIGGING VIDEOS

JIGS

PLUGS

SOFTBAITS

OFFSHORE

BODY STYLE EELS: Use to imitate live eels, slender baitfish and sand eels. PADDLES: Use to attract scattered gamefish with tail vibrations or to imitate larger baitfish.

SOFTBAIT RIGGING (A) Soft Circle: Topwater PROS: Amazing action, super easy to rig. Simply screw the bait in. CONS: Can miss smaller fish. (B) Swimbait Hook: Midwater Often lightly weighted, this hook is typically known for a subsurface presentation. PROS: Weed Resistant, keels bait, aids with casting. CONS: Requires more rigging maintenance. (C) Jig Head: Bottom Best for deep water or near-bottom presentation. PROS: Easy to rig. CONS: Limited to a deeper presentation.

SOFTBAIT RETRIEVES Softbaits can be fished in a similarly to casting jigs (see page 1). Or visit hogylures.com/retrieves

TOPWATER: SOFT CIRCLE

MID-WATER: SWIMBAIT HOOK

C BOTTOM: JIG HEAD PRE-RIGGED VS RIG YOUR OWN RIG YOUR OWN: PROS: Allows for customization of presentation and may be more economical if you can repair baits. CONS: Requires periodic rigging and “maintenance” throughout the day. PRE-RIGGED: PROS: Easy to use, swims perfectly out of the package and more durable. CONS: You are limited to the “built in” action that is not customizable.

Ultimate free-swinging topwater presentation.

Weedless rigging for surface and mid-water column walk the dog action. Jig head rigging for vertical jigging & casting presentations worked near the bottom.

JIGS

PLUGS

SOFTBAITS

Three Basic Casting Retrieves (All Species)

OFFSHORE

RIGGING VIDEOS

TUNA RIG LIKE A PRO Everything comes down to a solid connection when target trophy tuna. Here's how to rig your own bullet proof leader to lure connections. c r im p " y o u r a r p ie . t n i a "P a sh w it h b la c k

CRIMPED LOOP CONNECTION

The best rigging connection on heavy leaders 80# and up.

(A) Fast Skippy Retrieve: This is a tip-up, fast-crank retrieve. Great for imitating fleeing sea herring, half beaks and mackerel. This is the preferred retrieve to breaking fish or blind casting in calm water when you know fish are in the area. (B) Reel-Reel-Reel-Pause / Reel-Reel-Reel-Pause: I like to alternate this retrieve with the skippy retrieve. It is similar in that it is a very highspeed retrieve but opposite in the sense that your rod tip is pointed low –literally in the water. This will allow you to have a very high retrieve speed without breaking the surface. (C) Drop and Reel: This retrieve starts with the medium sub-surface retrieve but this time, you will introduce long pauses for up to a minute to let your bait settle as deep as 30’ before reeling again. This is an excellent retrieve for finicky fish.

Three Basic Jigging Retrieves (All Species)

.5" Bla ck Ch a fe L o 13 0 # op F lu o r o Lea 1.3mm der A lu m in u m C r im p

Swivel 220# Crane Ring lit Sp 4 1. 220#

KNOTTED CONNECTION

For rigging with light leaders 80# and less. Swivel 220# Crane Ring lit Sp 4 220# 1.

80# Fluoro not + Palomar K

OFFSHORE RIGGING

Tackling the largest of offshore gamefish requires a keen eye to details and perfection in rigging technique. Hogy's full lineup of offshore terminal rigging allows you to quickly build or repair your offshore presentations.

(A) Slow Jigging: We think slow jigging is the most effective way to jig with softbaits. WHEN: This is a go to technique when fish are consistently hanging at a certain depth or are slow to commit. HOW: Drop the the lure to the desired depth (likely where you are most consistently marking fish) and work the bait as slowly as possible. You can even dead stick a softbait by putting the rod in the holder and use the boat’s rocking motion to work the lure. WHY: This method will best utilize the slow undulating action of the soft plastic and will also keep the lure in the strike zone. (B) Twitch Jigging: Works well with Hogy Epoxy Jig Lures and slender metals that imitate sand eels AND softbaits WHEN: Targeting a specific depth with scattered fish. HOW: Drop the lure to the desired depth and “twitch” the jig with a series of sharp and rapid jigs, almost as if to “twitch” the jig. WHY: This method will create vibrations and commotion caused by your lure’s twitching motion. Will help draw attention to your lure. (C) Fast Jigging: Fast jigging is best used with heavy metals that sink fast. WHEN: Targeting fish across a wide spectrum in the water column, HOW: Drop the lure to bottom and work it back up by reeling quickly while imparting jigging motions with the rod as the lure comes up. Once close to the surface, drop and repeat. WHY: This method will cover all levels in the water column, create commotion and will elicit a reactionary “FOMO” strike by a predator.

PRO TIPS: CRIMPING

1.Reduce crimp visibility by coloring with a black sharpie marker. 2. Eliminate unnecessary break offs by leaving a 1/16" flange along crimp edges when crimping 3. Measure line diameter to crimp size. Improper pairing of line to crimp size will greatly reduce strength and reliability 4. Use the proper style chafe gear for connections. Black Chafe for leader loops. Stainless Chafe for hook connections.